Main Entry: spasm

Pronunciation: \ˈspa-zəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English spasme, from Anglo-French espasme, from Latin spasmus, from Greek spasmos, from span to draw, pull

Date: 14th century

1 : an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction
2 : a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation <a spasm of creativity> <spasms of pain>

— spasm intransitive verb